Sikkens Cetol SRD Semi-Transparent Stain not only excels in simulated durability testing, but also earns praise from professionals who stain houses, decks and other exterior surfaces for a living. Sikkens Cetol SRD biggest advantage: Unlike solid stains and paints, which form a water-tight film on top of wood, experts say semi-transparent stains penetrate the wood itself, so they won’t flake or peel the way paint or solid stain can after being exposed to the elements. This makes semi-transparent stains the experts’ choice for horizontal surfaces like decks — which suffer harsher abuse from the sun and moisture than do vertical surfaces such as siding — and for rough surfaces such as cedar shakes.

We found the best review of Sikkens Cetol SRD Semi-Transparent Stain at ConsumerReports.org which tests and ranks 14 exterior stains. Tim Carter, who writes the syndicated column AskTheBuilder.com, cites Sikkens Cetol as a top-five finisher in a college laboratory’s exterior stain test. Professional contractors who post at DIYChatroom.com and PaintTalk.com also recommend Sikkens stains, including the Cetol SRD Semi-Transparent formula. The U.S. Forest Service recommends penetrating, oil-based wood stains (such as Sikkens Cetol SRD, although no brands are mentioned) for rough wood surfaces.